The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry)

We are delighted to introduce Heather Lynch as our newly appointed Managing Director of Programs at EFry! Heather, a first-generation Canadian with West African and Jamaican heritage, has deep roots in New Westminster, where she was born and raised on the traditional and unceded territory of the Qayqayt First Nation. With over 30 years of dedicated service in the not-for-profit sector, Heather has honed her expertise in leading compassionate care teams in clinical counselling, crisis intervention, and youth justice. A staunch advocate for social justice, Heather is committed to promoting equitable practices, cultivating healthy work cultures, and fostering inclusion for all. Her contributions to thought leadership in these areas are well-documented through numerous publications, where she passionately shares her views on the importance of belonging. As Heather steps into her role at our New Westminster office, she brings her journey full circle, serving in the very community where she was raised. We are excited by the depth of expertise and passion she brings to our team and look forward to her leadership in furthering the impact of our programs. Welcome aboard, Heather!

🎉 💙 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined our EFry Week and Blue Fryday celebrations last week and showed up in their blue outfits! From Metro Vancouver to Vancouver Island, our various programs and offices commemorated our 85th Anniversary with a series of exciting events, including barbecues, cake celebrations, and festive meals. It was truly inspiring to see such a vibrant display of community and teamwork from every corner of EFry’s initiatives as staff, volunteers, and clients came together to participate in blue-themed activities and share messages of what EFry means to them. We are incredibly grateful to each of you for being a part of the EFry family as we continue to build on our legacy! #EFW2024 #EFry85 #BlueFryday

For over three decades, Joan Firth dedicated herself to supporting the female inmates in the women’s section of the Okalla men’s prison in Burnaby. Starting her journey with EFry in 1976, Joan’s commitment extended beyond routine visits. She frequently saved money for train trips to escort women on day parole from the Kingston Prison for Women back to B.C. to ensure their safe journey. In her later years, Joan chose to leave a legacy gift in her will, ensuring that the programs she supported can continue to help women long after her time. In recognition of her impact and dedication, we proudly named our Sequoia at Firth Residences in Abbotsford in her honour. The facility continues Joan’s legacy by offering essential services like detox, stabilization, and support to women in need. #EFW2024 #EFry85

In 1965, EFry welcomed Ethel Allardice as its first Executive Director during a critical time when debates between the roles of “untrained” volunteers and paid professionals was intensifying. As the daughter of EFry co-founder, Fraudena Eaton, and with over 20 years of volunteer experience and a degree in social work, Ethel was uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. Her appointment sparked a crucial transformation within the organization, bolstering EFry’s standing as a social welfare agency and opening a new chapter in its advocacy for women in conflict with the law. Under her leadership, EFry expanded its services to include youth, group homes, training, and counselling programs, many of which were later recognized as national models. #EFW2024 #EFry85

Addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system is more urgent than ever. Approximately 66% of female inmates in Canada are mothers and most are the sole caregivers for their children. The cycle often continues, with 60% of children of incarcerated parents at risk of becoming involved in crime themselves. These figures underscore the critical need for targeted support and advocacy to break the cycle of crime and improve the long-term prospects of affected families. #EFW2024 #EFry85

In 1959, Maida Duncan began her remarkable journey with EFry during a pivotal era of social and political change. As women increasingly joined the workforce, Maida’s visionary leadership led EFry to move its annual general meeting to the evening in 1963 to better accommodate working women members. Her service, spanning over five decades, was marked by a deep commitment to supporting and empowering women. As President of EFry in the 1960s, 1986, and 1997, she propelled the organization forward, working directly with clients, reaching out to women in prison, and playing a pivotal role in realizing the Board’s vision for staffed residences. Maida was also instrumental in acquiring the first EFry homes for women and girls released from prison—going so far as to remortgage her own home to make it happen! Today, our Maida Duncan Drop-In Centre, located in our Blue Building in Sapperton, stands as a testament to her lifelong dedication, offering various supports, resources, and services to disadvantaged women and children struggling with multiple barriers. #EFW2024 #EFry85

Today, we shine a spotlight on Fraudena Eaton, a long-standing advocate for women’s rights and one of the founding members of EFry! During the 1930s, Eaton’s commitment to social reform led her to organize a self-help group for unemployed women in Vancouver. Her support for women continued through WWII, where she served as the director of the Women’s Division of the National Selective Service Agency, directing critical labor recruitment efforts. Inspired by the memoirs of Elizabeth Fry, Eaton proposed naming the organization after Fry in recognition of her dedication to society’s most marginalized women. Eaton’s enduring legacy also includes establishing daycare services for children of working women and championing equality as president of the Provincial Council of Women and as a member of the B.C. Labour Relations Board. #EFW2024 #EFry85

Yesterday evening, our CEO Alison Dantas accepted a proclamation from New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone celebrating this week as Elizabeth Fry Week. Thank you, Mayor and Council! #EFry85 #EFW2024

Today marks the first day of EFry Week! In celebration of our 85th Anniversary, we are dedicating this week to honouring a few incredible women who have helped shape the last 85 years of EFry. From pioneering access to essential services to advocating for justice reform, these fearless and community-driven women have left a lasting impact across our communities. Stay tuned each day as we spotlight the relentless spirit and remarkable achievements of these extraordinary women! #EFW2024 #EFry85

This EFry Week, join us in making a bold statement by taking part in our #BlueFryday campaign. On Friday, May 10th, show your support by wearing blue to stand in solidarity and raise awareness about the critical issues facing women and girls in the justice system. Take a photo of yourself with your friends, family, and colleagues and don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag #BlueFryday! 💙🧢👕 #EFW2024